Up next: The winner advances to a state semifinal at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 against Ottawa Glandorf or Bay at a site to be determined.

What to look for: What a roller coaster journey this has been to the elite eight for University, now one step away from its first state final four berth since 1992 when it garnered state runner-up honors. The Preppers run a 3-5-2 formation like clockwork, with a lethal attack led by senior midfielder Jude Gingo. Ryder Bell and Connor Adams help deliver pace on the flanks. Trenton Bulucea's midfield influence almost makes it feel like US runs a 3-6-1. Speaking of clockwork, CVCA seems that way in November. The Royals, under Coach Jon Taylor, play one of the most demanding schedules in Ohio with an opponents' winning percentage of .659. After a three-match losing skid in early September, CVCA has gone 8-2 since, outscoring its opponents, 32-9. How US' three-back formation handles the Royals' combination work, and is able to initiate an attack in turn, will go a long way in this match. The sides played Aug. 30, with CVCA winning, 1-0.

Division III

Hawken vs. West Salem Northwestern

When: Noon, Saturday

Where: 6589 North Chestnut Street, Ravenna

Records: Hawken 15-1-4, West Salem Northwestern 17-3

Up next: The winner advances to a state semifinal at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 against Ottawa Hills or Mansfield Christian at a site to be determined.

What to look for: Hawken will aim for its 11th state final four berth in program history on great form in all facets. The defensive-third play has been outstanding, yielding four goals during their current 10-match unbeaten run. It's probably also been encouraging for Coach Dani Giulvezan to see different players finding the back of the net in the postseason -- junior striker Graham Duff had a pair of goals in Hawken's 4-1 D-III district final win over Wickliffe, for example. Senior Jacob Naft leads the arsenal up top and fellow senior Brian Drockton anchors the backline and contributes heavily on set pieces (free kicks and corner kicks). Northwestern has been on lockdown in the defensive third with seven straight clean sheets and 15 for the season and seems confident for the match. "They're good, but so are we," Northwestern coach Adam Harbaugh told the Northern Wayne Post. "I actually think it will be a good game, a close game ... We might get outpossessed but still outscore them."

GIRLS

Division III

Hawken vs. Elyria Catholic

When: 3, Saturday

Where: 10270 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg

Records: Hawken 12-4-2, Elyria Catholic 14-2-4

Up next: The winner advances to a state semifinal at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 against Ontario or Kalida at a site to be determined.

What to look for: Hawken, fresh off a CVC Chagrin Division title campaign and another strong regular season, will try to track down an elusive first state final four berth in program history. This will be the first regional final appearance for the Hawks since 1996, when they fell to fellow N-H area side Chagrin Falls on the Tigers' charge to a state championship that year with one of the most talented girls starting 11s in area history. Hawken's rugged schedule pays the most dividends now - its four losses were to two D-I regional finalists (Solon and Medina) and a pair of district finalists (Gilmour and Aurora). The Hawks can find their goals from a variety of sources, as Bianca Medancic, Courtney Yoke, Sydney Costantini, Katherine Zalar and Marley Magruder each have at least five. The potent Panthers are paced in the attack by sophomore Jenna Ellingson (14 goals, 12 assists) and senior Lauren Wisnor (11 goals, 12 assists).